So I want to buy an aluminum boat. They're cheaper, and more durable around rocky areas, and It will be my first boat. I was just wondering what would you recommend, a Jon boat or a v hull. Thanks

Jon boat all the way. Better for shallow water.

I agree. I suggest trying to buy a welded boat over a riveted boat. They are more durable and tend not to leak. You can also build a nice deck and make the boat the way you want it.

Really depends on the kind of water you'll use it on.  I'd choose a v-hull for bigger water but if you mostly fish shallows or smaller lakes the jonboat has the advantages already mentioned.

The lake I usually fish is 250 acres, with lots of shallow water, but it's choppy water a lot. Also doesn't building a deck on a john boat make it more dangerous (unstable)?

I love my Crestliner fishhawk 1850!  All welded aluminal v-hull.  Best finish in the business.  Great customer service.  Hold their resale well!  Good luck.

Aluminum ?  buy quality. I have a 1959 aluminum 12' semi v  and never had a loose or leaky rivit. The boat still runs the lakes today but I did replace the wood plate for the motor mount. Last year it rotted after 50 years of salt and fresh water fishing. Durotech no longer is around as a boat builder but I will say this >"less drag w/ semi V vs flat bottom. This 12' only rated for 600lbs and 10 hp but that was figured back in the 50's.I use it 20 wks a year as the boat was in our family since it was new. I'd look into a welded today.

The lake I usually fish is 250 acres, with lots of shallow water, but it's choppy water a lot. Also doesn't building a deck on a john boat make it more dangerous (unstable)?

I have a Tracker topper 1446, put a casting deck on it as well as lower decking in the back. I will tell you you need to plan out your deck, specifically the elevation you put it at. If you have a 1446 and were to try to put it at the top of the boat, you will have a relatively unstable boat. The wider the boat, the more stability you will have.

I take mine out on Lake Wylie, NC which is a pretty good sized lake and it can get pretty choppy out there. It takes it well, but 40+ mph winds and you will be getting wet.

The other cool thing about my jon, it can take on Wylie most days, but I can easily pull off the 8 HP outboard and take it out in small ponds, and electric only water and launch it with 2 guys picking it up off the trailer and dropping it in. So the versatility rocks.

I love my 1446, it is a nice little boat and I have customized it to the point that it does exactly what i want it to and is as easy as me to fish out of as anything. That being said, if I was to do it all again, I would probably buy something a little wider and I would look for an all welded hull.

Also, you would do yourself well to locate the nearest welder in your area that can work on the aluminum hulls. No matter how careful you are, chances are sooner or later you will need his/her services.

A Bass Tracker style Modified V is a good all-around choice. I have a 17.5 foot G3 Pro175s and love it. I can get in water shallower than a foot and with the 70 Yamaha it tops 42 MPH on plane. Stable, dry ride with plenty of locking storage. Had 2 Trackers prior to this that were O.K. but this is in a whole different league.

I run a G3 Eagle 165 with a 40HP Yamaha.  I love it.  The front deck is gigantic and the rod locker can hold up to 12-7' rods.  There is a ton of space on the boat.  I highly recommend checking out a G3.